Delhi Police have arrested two men accused of painting pro-Khalistani slogans in Rohini ahead of Republic Day, allegedly linked to the Sikh For Justice (SFJ) outfit. The accused were acting on instructions from Canada-based SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Authorities described the act as an attempt to disrupt communal harmony.
Delhi Police arrested two men, identified as Baljinder and Rohit, for painting pro-Khalistani graffiti at two locations in northwest Delhi's Rohini area ahead of Republic Day. The incident came to light on January 24 when a school in Rohini reported a slogan scrawled on its outer walls.
According to police, the accused were instructed by Khalistani separatist and Canada-based SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun to carry out the vandalism. Pannun released a purported video on January 22 claiming that graffiti supporting SFJ had been painted in the capital. "The intention was to disturb communal harmony in the city before Republic Day. The graffiti were pro-Khalistan slogans written on two different areas of the capital. The accused were allegedly promised Rs 2 lakhs by SFJ for defacing the walls," an officer said.
Baljinder drew the graffiti, while Rohit assisted in identifying the locations. Both were recruited and instructed via encrypted communication apps by an associate of Pannun from west Delhi's Tilak Nagar area, who fled to Canada a few weeks before the incident. Over 50 CCTV footages were scanned to track and arrest the duo.
The arrests occurred amid heightened Republic Day security measures, with authorities monitoring sensitive activities. Police investigations continue.
